Chapter 584: The Secretary’s Daughter
"It’s nothing. He just found out my father’s address."
Adrian Hawthorne put the letter away. He whispered the last part to Tang Xiaonan, adding a quiet warning, "Don’t tell my mother."
Tang Xiaonan nodded, starting to understand. ’It must be because of that woman with Ethan Hawthorne. Has she already secured her position?’
"Mr. Hawthorne, are you going to Tristone?"
"No. I’m going to Capria first. I’ll go to Tristone later."
Adrian Hawthorne was only focused on making money right now. That was the only way he’d have the confidence to face his father. He knew his father well—at his core, he was a mercenary businessman. His father liked whoever could bring him the most profit.
The only tenderness his father ever showed was probably reserved for his mother. After all, Rosalind Green couldn’t create any profit whatsoever, yet his father doted on her all the same, treating her like a fragile piece of porcelain.
With him, however, his father was extremely strict. He started teaching him martial arts from a young age. His father knew kung fu, and his grandfather had hired a master to teach him. The world was a chaotic place, and knowing some self-defense was essential for survival. Moreover, his father absolutely forbade him from crying. Even if he broke his hand, tears were not allowed. Crying wouldn’t earn his father’s comfort; it would only bring a harsh scolding.
Adrian Hawthorne never used to understand his father. He’d even questioned if he was truly his son, wondering if he’d been found and taken in. But now, he was starting to get it. If it hadn’t been for his father’s strict upbringing, he never would have survived the last four years, nor would he have been able to protect his mother.
But because of that, he didn’t feel much filial affection for his father. Even knowing there was another woman by his father’s side, he could analyze the situation with cool objectivity.
’His father’s feelings for that woman couldn’t possibly be love. He loved his mother. That new woman must be able to bring him some sort of benefit, which is why he took her in. Maybe his father wants to be like his own grandfather, surrounded by a bevy of beautiful wives and concubines?’
’But he would never allow it.’
’It’s repulsive.’
Tang Xiaonan didn’t ask any more questions. ’The big shot has his own plans, and it’s not like I can offer any real advice.’ Still, she had caused Adrian Hawthorne and his father’s reunion to happen several years ahead of schedule. A lot of things had changed because of her—some for the better, and some for the worse.
"Mr. Hawthorne, Jacqueline Spann’s aunt is in Tristone. I overheard her talking about it with her father last time." Tang Xiaonan thought for a moment, certain now that the person who had written to Jacqueline must have been Vernon Spann’s sister—Jacqueline’s aunt.
’It was never mentioned in the book, but my butterfly effect brought it to light. Vernon Spann went to his sister for help, which means this aunt must be doing quite well for herself in Tristone. No wonder Jacqueline still has money for red bean popsicles.’
Adrian Hawthorne finally understood, but he didn’t give it much thought. ’She’s just an aunt. She shouldn’t be able to cause any trouble.’
’Jacqueline Spann has no way out now. Even if Vernon Spann comes to get her, Phoenix Golding won’t let her go. She’s still counting on Jacqueline to earn her some betrothal money.’
The trip to Capria was arranged smoothly. Phoebe Huxley and Felix Thorne were so busy they barely had time to sleep, let alone look after Tang Xiaonan. So, they agreed to let her go have fun in Capria with Adrian Hawthorne, especially since Patrick and Jim Thorne would be tagging along. The couple felt at ease with this arrangement.
"So, uh... my classmate wants to come along and have some fun, too."
Patrick Thorne was a crafty one. He waited until they reached Vessaria to bring it up. In truth, it was a condition for his classmate’s help with something. He’d been afraid to mention it back in the village in case Adrian Hawthorne refused, so he’d waited until they were already in the city. Adrian couldn’t exactly kick him out now; like it or not, he’d have to bring the classmate along.
"My future sister-in-law?" Jim Thorne asked with a cheeky grin, earning him a kick from Patrick.
Adrian Hawthorne didn’t object. ’What’s one more? Might as well be herding a whole flock at this point.’
Patrick Thorne ran off excitedly to get his classmate. An hour before they were due to board the bus, Tang Xiaonan and the others finally met the Party secretary’s daughter. She was a cheerful, open-hearted girl dressed in a jumper dress and sneakers. With her bold eyebrows and big eyes, she was very pretty. She was also quite tall—at least 5’5"—a height that Tang Xiaonan greatly envied.